Method of call routing and connection

ABSTRACT

A method of radio communications and routing and connection in a mobile radio system consisting of the steps of providing nodes for transmitting and receiving signals wherein the nodes are positioned in a free form fashion within a defined area, and the routing of a communication is determined based on selecting the most desirable and normally the shortest path between the communication source and the destination drop.

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.09/094,873 filed Jun. 15, 1998 which in turn was a continuation of Ser.No. 08\395,066 filed Feb. 27, 1995, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,793,842 issuedAug. 11, 1998.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The concepts of cellular radio are well known, and in fact all majormetropolitan areas in the USA today enjoy cellular radio service.However, there are still vast areas in the USA, and also vast areas inthe world that do not yet enjoy cellular radio or any form of radiotelephone. The reason for this lack of service lays in the cost factorsassociated with conventional cellular technology. One of the mostexpensive elements in a cellular system is the central cellular switch.The central cellular switch controls channel choice, handoffs andconnection into the various land line carriers. The centralized conceptsassociated with cellular radio tend to be very expensive, and not veryflexible. Also a system using a central cellular switch requiresnumerous land line connections from the remote radio base sites (cellsites) to the central cellular switch. Land line connections arerequired for the desired communications links and also for the variouscontrol functions.

An approach for assigning channels in a decentralized system is coveredin USA U.S. Pat. No. 4,965,850 which is incorporated herein byreference. The present invention is an improvement over USA U.S. Pat.No. 4,965,850.

The concept of having radios mounted on numerous telephone poles suchthat the radios connect into the existing land line network has beenwell publicized. For example, several articles have appeared in the IEEEby Donald Cox who was at Bellcore, the portion of Bell Labs that went tothe regional Bells at the AT&T divestiture, at the time the articleswere written. The concept of the telephone pole radio system impliesdecentralization. The underlying assumption was that the local land linetelephone company would take on the responsibilities of the cellularswitch. However, a problem of that concept was that the various exchangeswitches might not have the proper functionality, and additionally thevarious exchange switches might be owned by another company such thatcooperative efforts would be difficult.

To implement the decentralized approach as described in the telephonepole concept in a common carrier broad service environment includingvehicular service, the technology disclosed herein considers thefollowing factors. These factors relate to both technology and theoperating environment in which cellular operates and include:

-   -   1. Relationship to existing land line carrier    -   2. Call routing    -   3. Call hand-off

Firstly, the relationship of the wireless company to the long distancecarriers must be considered. If, for example, in a current cellularsystem, a wireless user in Northbrook, Ill. desires to contact a landline customer in New York, the wireless user in Northbrook will be usingat least four different companies to complete the call. One for theairtime in the wireless network, another for the local phone company inIllinois that provides control and communication links from the cellularswitch to the Northbrook cell site, a third for the long distancecarrier, and fourth is the land line company in New York. Naturally, ifit would be possible to easily eliminate the local telephone companyfrom the economic picture, the charges to the final customer will beless.

The second factor considered relates to the call routing. Previously,there was no easy way for a call to be routed to a central switchwithout extensive land line charges from the telephone pole unit back tothe central switch. Presently, the cellular operator takesresponsibility for call routing from its various base sites to hisswitch. Typically, the local cellular operator rents dedicated landlines from the local phone company. In some instances the local cellularoperator installs its own microwave links instead of renting variousland lines. When microwave links are installed, they replace thededicated phone lines. When the call is finally connected to the centralcellular switch, the cellular operator can connect the call from itscellular switch directly to a local phone company switch.

In an example of current technology, a wireless user in Zion, Ill.located near the Wisconsin border who desires to contact another landline user in Zion, Ill. will be using the Chicago system that has acellular switch located west of Chicago. The call must be routed fromthe wireless cell site in Zion to the Cellular Switch near Chicago, andthen back into the land line network through several exchanges(switches) to finally get back north up to Zion. Since Zion is locatedabout 50 miles from the cellular switch, this local call becomes a longdistance call.

The third factors relates to handoff control. If a vehicular user inNorthbrook moves to a location served by an adjacent cell site, thecentral cellular switches in operation today would know how to handlethe handoff. In a decentralized system, there is a need to be able tocontrol handoff without either a central switch, or a hierarchicalsystem that might delegate handoff control to a local switch.

Consequently, there is a need for a system that would providedecentralized operation, without a large cellular central computer tocontrol the various base sites, and yet such that this system couldultimately connect to the various land line services.

S. Arunkumar and R. S. Panwar in an article entitled “EfficientBroadcast Using Selective Flooding” on page 2060 in the IEEE INFOCOMdiscuss methods of improving the efficiency of the signaling process inthe route establishment procedure. In their article they are referringto a US Army mobile subscriber system wherein nodes and links are in afreeform non-grid pattern. System nodes, transmitter and receiver sites,are connected to other nodes via point to point radio links. As nodesare moved around, different selective point to point links areestablished.

Although radio links between selected sites can be established byreferring to standard topographical maps, propagation charts, andantenna compass directions, such procedures are expensive and notflexible. Also, there is the possibility for human error in propagationcalculations, or map reading. At installation time, various antennashave to be pointed in specific directions. Also, if new sites arecreated or removed, then the entire system must be studied to ascertainthe impact of the changes. If buildings have been built that are not onthe maps, then selected radio paths will not work as planned.Consequently, there is need for a system that automatically establisheslinks based on the real propagation path, as opposed to establishinglinks based on some maps and calculations.

Preassigned channels for each given link requires careful adjustment andcareful installation. In fact, when a given radio site is moved, thereis seemingly no easy way to know which channels are being utilized inother places in the system that might have propagation links with otherunintended sites. Without this prior knowledge, there is no easy way toguarantee a clear channel at any site. Accordingly, there isconsiderable value in having the channels automatically establishedwithout the possibility of interference between links.

A major practical problem in a mobile (remote) radio telephone system isto insure sufficient bandwidth to handle all of the conversations. Withpreplanned antennas and channel assignment, there is no flexibility tochange around spectrum resources in response to system load. Incontrast, in the inventive system described herein, links areautomatically established based on signal strength; channels in theroute are assigned dynamically based on dynamic signal to interferencemeasurements thereby significantly increasing the call handling capacityof the system.

It is the purpose of this invention to offer a new technical approachfor a mobile (remote) radio telephone system based on using radio linksto connect various sites into the land line network. This approach willhave several advantages over the conventional cellular equipment.Further, as the customer base builds, it will be easy to convert some ofthe telephone pole sites to conventional “cell” sites with acorresponding reduction in the amount of radio spectrum required toprovide service. This invention will provide the possibility for newentrants into the cellular operations to cover wide geographic areaswith a very efficient system.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention herein describes a system and method of wireless callrouting and channel assignment between various cell site locations suchthat the optimum route back to one of several telephone exchanges ischosen in an interference free manner. The invention further assignsradio communication channels dynamically whereby the available radiospectrum is shifted around.

The foregoing features and advantages of the present invention will beapparent from the following more particular description of theinvention. The accompanying drawings, listed hereinbelow, are useful inexplaining the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a drawing of a hypothetical suburban area showing a limitednumber of nodes and a limited number of drop points near exchanges;

FIG. 2 is a drawing showing the computer means, switching means, andradio means present at a typical node;

FIG. 3 is a drawing showing the network of FIG. 1, but adding additionalexchange drops for purposes of explanation;

FIG. 4 is a drawing showing a series of sites surrounding a large lake;

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the receivers and transmitters that arepresent in a remote, base site(s), and a drop (exchange) location;

FIG. 6 is a flow chart showing the steps in procedure 1 for the node toremote link;

FIG. 7 is a flow chart showing the steps in procedure 2 for the node toremote link;

FIG. 8 is a flow chart showing the steps in procedure 1 for the node tonode links;

FIG. 9 is a flow chart showing the steps in procedure 2 for the node tonode links;

FIG. 10 depicts a remote radio telephone system without a centralcontroller in accordance with the hand off feature of the invention;

FIG. 11 depicts the same system as in FIG. 11 with one of the remoteusers in a different place;

FIG. 12 is a flow chart showing the steps in test 1;

FIG. 13 is a flow chart showing the steps in test 2;

FIG. 14 is a flow chart showing the steps in test 3;

FIG. 15 is a flow chart showing the steps in test 4;

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing the transmitter and receiver channels of anode for communicating with a remote;

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing the transmitter and receiver channels of aremote; and

FIG. 18 is a diagram showing the transmitter and receiver channels forassociated odd and even nodes;

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention discloses a decentralized call routing system andmethod for a node to node radio telephone communications system. In thepresent invention, each individual node makes decisions for subsequentlinks based on information and signal strength derived from the receivedsignaling signal.

It is the purpose of this invention to provide a radio service from thevarious cell sites to various desired drop points. These desired droppoints are located near associated exchanges. The present system istotally self organizing. Previously, when radio links are used insteadof land line phone lines to link cell sites to various destinations,careful system planning and design is required to insure that each linkhas its private interference free channel, and that specific locationscan communicate directly to other specific locations. It is the purposeof this invention to provide a system and method so that cell sites canbe placed anywhere, without a specific cell pattern, and that therouting and channel assignment to the desired exchange locations thoughintermediate cell sites will occur automatically.

Definitions, Language Usage, and Basic System Concepts.

Cellular radio uses the term “cellular switch” to refer to the centralcontroller that assigns channels, controls handoff, and connects intothe land line network. The term “telephone switch” refers to switchesthat are used to connect various incoming land lines to various outgoingland lines. In the cellular radio concept, the central controller(cellular switch) is used to connect the land lines coming back from thecell sites to the land line telephone network.

Centralized systems are systems such as cellular radio that arecontrolled by a central controller. Decentralized systems such ascitizen band radio are not controlled by a central controller.

There are three different types of functional units described hereinthat contain radio equipment.

“Nodes” are radio units that contain the following components:

-   -   A) Radio transmitters and radio receivers to communicate with        various remotes similar to todays cell sites.    -   B) Radio transmitters and radio receivers to communicate with        other nodes perhaps similar in concept to repeaters.    -   C) Internal switching means to connect various receivers to        various transmitters.    -   E) Internal computer means to perform functions and calculations        typically associated with on line computers.    -   F) Scanning receivers are also included herein. These receivers        are controlled by the associated computer to move or monitor        specific channels.    -   G) Antennas

“Drops” are transmitting and receiving sites that connect to the landline phone network. These drops are related to the stationary half of aconsumer cordless phone. Drops are normally associated with a phoneexchange, and referred to also as “exchange drops”.

“Remotes” are radio units that are free to move about and transmit andreceive information. These remotes are related to mobiles, portables,cordless computer keyboards, and the movable half of a consumer cordlessphone.

Each node, drop, and remote has a unique identifier or code thatidentifies that particular unit.

Certain new technologies are available that would combine several of thefunctions of the above components into a single operative unit. However,for purposes of description of the functionality of the system herein,the concepts are treated as separate hardware units.

For example, in an article in the November 1994 issue of CellularBusiness by Elliott Drucker, entitled “The Advantages of Broadband LPAs,the concepts of a linear power amplifier are presented. Druckerdescribes that tunable cavities and the various power amplifierspreviously present at a cell site can be combined into a single hybridcombiner and a single linear power amplifier.

In addition, Steinbrecker corporation, a Massachusetts supplier of radioequipment to the cellular industry, has combined many of the modulationand demodulation functions of separate radios into a single computerlike device. The combination of the two aforementioned technologies cangive rise to cell sites that are quite small, and the concept of fittingall of the equipment into a single “potato chip” can as described by Coxis available in today's hardware technology.

Details of Invention

Refer to FIG. 2. The nodes receive and transmit radio signals inresponse to computer information and received signals. These radiosignals can be directed to, or received from, various remote users inthe system, or to other nodes or drops that are within radio reach. Thedrops are positioned such that there is a maximum of one drop per landline phone exchange, and each drop or node can handle many simultaneousconversations. The maximum number of calls handled by a node or drop isonly limited by the radio spectrum available for the system.

As depicted in FIG. 1, the total path to complete the call is hereinreferred to as the route, and the individual segments of that path arereferred to as links. Importantly, the nodes defined above are dividedinto two categories, and for simplicity the nodes are designated as oddand even numbered nodes.

In addition to the radio units that support the remote to nodecommunication, there is a separate and distinct radio/computer systemthat will route and connect the calls to various land line locations.This routing system is decentralized; there is no central control, andeach unit operates autonomously.

The present invention combines the concept of routing with the conceptof interference free channel assignment. This system further relates theforegoing concepts with dynamic decentralized signal to interference asexplained in USA U.S. Pat. No. 4,965,850 and U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 08/276,781 filed Jul. 18, 1994 entitled “Decentralized RadioCommunications System and Method for Assigning Channels with a Minimumof Signaling between Remotes and Bases” such that preplanning of celllocations to other cell locations is not required. Preplanning of thevarious links back to various drop points is not required. In fact, asvarious high traffic cells, ie sites, are changed to permit land lineconnections back to the central switch, all of the hardware previouslyat that site can be moved intact to other locations, and the system willautomatically adjust to its new location.

A central switch or central controller is not required in the presentinvention. This feature of no central computer or central controller isa basic feature of the invention. Preplanning, frequency selection, siteto site propagation analyses are not required. The system automaticallyadapts to the entrance of the new node, and call routings and channelassignments for the call routings are handled automatically. Atechnician merely has to climb the telephone pole, unscrew the unit fromthe telephone pole, and unplug the power source, and take the unit to anew location, and mount it to the telephone pole and plug it into theavailable power source. Additionally, this invention might be utilizedin an existing installed centralized system.

As will be explained, the various nodes transmit information on variouslinks, the nodes utilize this information, and retransmit information.,The repetition of this process builds information in all of the nodesshowing the optimum route from each node to each drop point. Alsoimportantly, this call routing information is created in advance of anycall set up or call connection process.

In the present invention for node to node communications omnidirectional antennas are used. The omni as used herein refers to thenorth south and east west directions, and not the up and down direction.The omni directional antennas are designed by well known procedures totransmit their lobes in a slightly less than the horizontal direction.Since all of the nodes are at about the same elevation above ground, anarrow beam can be utilized to provide significant signal gain.

Refer to FIG. 1 which shows a number of nodes in an example area in theUnited States. Although other exchanges and other nodes would normallybe present in the same area, only a few of the nodes and exchanges areshown for simplicity in explanation. FIG. 1 shows the connection of aremote user in Deerfield to an exchange located in Round Lake. In thisparticular example, the remote user in Deerfield wants to talk to a landline customer in Round Lake with a 546 telephone prefix. Although theDeerfield user is near the Northbrook exchange, it is desired to connectthe user to the Round Lake exchange. This example will also be usedsubsequently to explain in detail the call set up and channel assignmentprocedure.

Two types of nodes, designated as odd and even nodes, are used. The evennumbered nodes transmit and receive on different bands than the oddnumbered nodes. If all the nodes were identical, they would all transmitin the same band, and receive in the same band; in this situation, nodeto node communication can not occur. For node to node communication, thebands must be reversed between the two units that are in communication.The spectrum for the node to node call routing and communication systemis divided into several bands. The system designed herein is designed tooperate at 1,900 megahertz. A band of frequencies of 13 megahertz isused as follows.

TABLE I Spectrum Band Name Function Odds Evens 1 Megahertz Sig SignalingT & R T & R 2 Megahertz A Node to Drop T & M T & M 2 Megahertz B Node toDrop R R 1 Megahertz C Node to Node T & M R 1 Megahertz D Node to Node RT 1 Megahertz E Node to Node R T & M 1 Megahertz F Node to Node T R 2Megahertz G Remote to Node R R 2 Megahertz H Remote to Node T & M T & M0 Megahertz I Paging System

The bands above are a continuous spectrum of frequencies, and aresubdivided above for engineering design purposes.

In the Table I, the T stands for transmitting and the R stands forreceiving. M stands for the periodic messages that are transmitted, aswill be explained hereinbelow. Bands A and B are paired with each other,bands C and D are paired with each other, bands E and F are paired witheach other, and bands G and H are paired with each other. There term“paired” also means that channels are assigned in predetermined pairsfrom each of the bands.

In Table I, the Sig Band is a signaling band that is used for the routeestablishment process that will be explained herein. The Node to Dropbands A and B are used for communication to drops that function ascontrol points as will be explained herein. The bands A and B operate ina similar manner as the bands for communication with the remotes. BandsC, D, E, and F are used for communication links between nodes. Bands Gand H are utilized to communicate between the remotes and the nodes.

Bands A and B are used to communicate from both odd and even nodes tothe drops. The need for two bands to connect the nodes to either aremote or a drop arises from the fact that it simplifies the signalingprocess that occurs in performing the four tests as will be explainedherein below. In bands G and H the remote originates the signalingprocess, and in bands A and B, the nodes originate the signalingprocess.

Band I is used for city wide paging. This band functions differentlythan band H, but is located in the top channel of band H. The design ofpaging systems is well known. Consequently, this band does not utilizeany additional spectrum, and is indicated above as zero megahertz.

Each of bands C, D, E, and F are one megahertz wide with channels spaced30 kilohertz apart. Each channel, after space for guard bands, isdesigned to carry the normal 3 kilohertz voice. There are 30 channels ineach of the above bands.

The exchange drops transmit on band B and listen on Band A for node toexchange communications. Also, the final link in any conversation willbe to the land line drops.

Each node can communicate with approximately half of the total nodes inthe system; consequently, if the nodes were laid out in a random manner,it would only be possible for a given node to talk to half of the othernodes. However, in a normal cellular/PCS system the number of possibleroutes is so high that the loss of communication to 50% of the nodes atalternate links will not statistically cause a problem.

The procedure of routing a call from a distant node back to a localexchange comprises essentially two tasks. The first task is to establisha route through various nodes that will ultimately connect back to thedesired point. The second task is to assign channels along that route,so that interference does not occur.

Call Routing

The first task in connecting a call to a desired drop point is toestablish the route. In a cellular system, the location of the nodeswill be relatively permanent, and once a given node knows the route backto a particular drop point or particular exchange, this route should notchange unless a change occurs in the node layout.

Although the system might have a central switch similar to today'scentral switch, the majority of calls are handled through local dropunits. These local drop units are similar to the central switch in thatthey record call billing information, and route the call along. However,since they will handle only a limited number of calls, there are muchsimpler in design and construction.

In the signaling band, all nodes can both transmit and receive. Thesignaling band is divided into a series of time slots. There are 5,000time slots in the signaling band. The first 1,000 slots are reserved forland exchange drops. The remaining 4,000 slots are reserved for cellsites or nodes.

Each desired drop is given a sequential number between L1 and L999.These sequential numbers also correspond to the time slot number.Consequently, the maximum number of drops in the system is 999. In mostinstallations, the number of drops will be less than 50.

Each node is given a sequential number between 1001 and 5000. The nodesthat transmit in Band C are designated by odd numbers, and the nodesthat transmit in Band D are designated by even numbers. Each sequentialnumber corresponds to a time slot number. Consequently, the maximumnumber of nodes that this system will support is 4,000. (The numbercould be increased by minor expansion in the signaling time slots thatwill be explained hereinbelow.) In most installations, the number ofnodes will be less than 250, however, for purposes of explanation wehave used examples with larger capacities.

A master cycle comprises all of the time slots. Since in this embodimentthere are 5,000 time slots, the master cycle takes 5,000 seconds. 5,000second corresponds to somewhat over an hour. There is only one channelin the signaling band. The channel is one megahertz wide.

The following table depicts a typical usage of the various time slotsarbitrarily given names of separate towns in Table II.

TABLE II Time Slot No. User of Slot 1 L001 (Located in Round Lake) 2L002 (Schaumburg) 3 L003 (Evanston) 4 L004 (Glenview) 5 L005 (Lisle) 6L006 (Libertyville) . . . . . . 27 L027 (Antioch) . . . . . . 1001 1001(Peoria node) . . . . . . 1133 1133 (Lincolnshire node) 1188 1188(Libertyville node)

The system provides periodic signaling once every four hours. Theperiodic signaling need not be timed for four hours, but may be anydesired time longer than the master cycle time. Each master cycle, aswill be explained below, will permit an increase in the number of linksin a route, and consequently to permit multilink routes, the mastercycle must be repeated. Signaling occurs to establish the routes fromall nodes to all of the concerned potential drops. This sequence ofseveral master cycles need only occur once, but occasionally nodes mightfail or lose power, so periodic checking insures better systemoperation. Each node signals in the time slot corresponding to itsnumber. For example, node 1143 would transmit during time 1143 duringthe signaling cycle.

In the particular example shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 3, the following is alist of some of the concerned exchanges and their typical prefixes. Allof the exchanges are in area code 708.

TABLE III Exchange Location Area Code-Prefix-Number Round Lake708-546-XXXX Round Lake 708-740-XXXX Northbrook 708-480-XXXXLibertyville 708-362-XXXX Antioch 708-395-XXXXStep One of Call Routing

The first step is for the various drops to transmit a routing message intheir unique time slot. The signaling channel is one megacycle wide topermit high speed data transmission. The routing messages are sent assequential data streams through modems, as is well known. Each routingmessage contains the following:

TABLE IV Information Example Time Slot Number L001 Exchange Number L001Prefix 546 Link Number “1” 1 Signal Strength 999 Exchange Number L001Prefix 740 Link Number “1” 1 Signal Strength 999

The above example pertains to the transmission that would come fromRound Lake. Since Round Lake has two different prefixes, two differentsets of information are transmitted. The link number transmitted is “1”as this will be the first link in the final routing. The signalstrength, as will be explained hereinbelow corresponds to the number ofDbs over threshold. Since there is no received radio signal at thispoint, the number 999 is transmitted.

Step Two of Call Routing

Although the number will vary, approximately twelve different nodesmight receive this transmission from Round Lake. Since node antennas arehigher than remote antennas, it is usually the case that node to nodecommunications occur over greater distances than remote to nodecommunications. A threshold level is set at each node receiver andsignals received less than 30 Db over threshold are excluded. Suchsignals are considered too weak to provide satisfactory service in apotential multiple link environment.

Refer to FIG. 3. For example, node number 1193 (Grayslake) might hearand record the following messages received from various drops. Thesignal strengths and corresponding node and drop information, exchanges,prefixes, and link numbers are loaded into a computer memory table inthe node as follows:

TABLE V 1193 (Grayslake) Exchange Prefix Link Signal Strength L001 546 199 L001 740 1 99 L006 362 1 99 L027 395 1 99

The current measured signal strength is also added to the table. Thetable is now as follows:

TABLE VI 1193 (Grayslake) Exchange Prefix Link Sig Str NewSignalStrength L001 546 1 99 32 L001 740 1 99 32 L006 362 1 99 43 L027395 1 99 44

Note that in the above table only those drops having signal strengthover 30 Db are added to the table. In the above limited example, node1193 (Grayslake) heard only three different transmissions from drops.These three different transmissions contained a total of four differentprefix numbers. As each transmission is received the signal strength ismeasured, and the signal strength is recorded in the table above.

Step Three of Call Routing

The next step in the procedure occurs in the next master cycle. Bothnodes and drops transmit again. Each node transmits in its unique timeslot all of the prefixes that it has heard. The nodes add their ownnumber and transmit all of the information in the above table. Forexample, node 1193 (Grayslake) would transmit the following during itsunique time slot. Since each node is adding a link to all tentativeroutes, the link number for each route is increased by one. Only aportion of the transmission is shown in table VII.

TABLE VII 1193 Land node number L001 Exchange number 546 Prefix 2 Linknumber 32 Received signal strength L001 Exchange number 740 Prefix 2Link number 32 Received signal strength L006 Exchange number 362 Prefix2 Link number 43 Received signal strength L027 Exchange number 395Prefix 2 Link number 44 Received signal strengthStep Four of Call Routing

Refer to FIG. 3. Various additional nodes hear the transmission fromnode 1193. These additional nodes also hear transmissions from othernodes in the different time slots. Each node then makes a table of allthe transmissions that it has received. Transmissions below 30 Db areexcluded. A portion of this table might appear as follows for node 1188.

TABLE VIII Table for Node No. 1188 (Libertyville) Node Prefix SignalStrength Link 1133 362 43 1 1193 546 32 2 1193 740 32 2 1193 362 43 11194 546 50 2 1194 740 50 2 1195 546 31 2 1195 740 31 2

In the above example, node 1188 heard messages from six different nodesand drops. However, most were deleted as they were below the 30 Dbthreshold. Node 1188 also received useless messages back containingitself as a node in the route. In the previous cycle it had transmittedthat it related to exchange 362, and two nodes 1193 and 1133 havetransmitted that information back.

The left hand column above indicates the node from which thetransmission was received. The second column indicates the prefix thatwas with the transmission. The third column indicates the signalstrength that was in the message. The fourth column indicates the numberof links involved.

At this point the new signal strength being received is added to thetable as follows:

TABLE IX Table for Node No. 1188 (Libertyville) Node Prefix Sig. Str.New Sig Str. Link 1133 362 43 43 1 1134 480 30 38 2 1193 546 32 43 21193 740 32 43 2 1193 362 43 43 1 1194 546 50 55 2 1194 740 50 55 2 1195546 31 37 2 1195 740 31 37 2

At this point the node deletes from the table every message that it hasreceived from an even number node. Since 1188 is an even numbered node,it can not communicate with other even numbered nodes. If this nodewould have been an odd numbered node it would have deleted the oddnumbers. Since half of the nodes are even and half are odd, thisdeletion cuts the table in approximately half. Two of the nodes that1188 received from were even and they are deleted from the table. Thereason for this deletion will become apparent later as explained below.

The next step is to sort the table into prefix sequence, andconsequently, all of the messages with a selected prefix will be groupedtogether. For example, a portion of the above table would be as follows:

TABLE X Table for Site No. 1188 (Libertyville) Site Prefix Sig. Str. NewSig Str. Link 1193 546 32 43 2 1195 546 31 37 2

The next step is to select only the best link for each prefix. If twodifferent routings contain a different number of links, the routing withthe minimum number of links is chosen and the routing with the highernumber of links is dropped from the table. Since only acceptable signalstrengths above the preselected 30 Db threshold are entered in thetable, this process selects a route with a minimum number of links. Thisprocedure will reduce the number of transmitters that are radiatingpower and consuming spectrum capacity in the usage of the routes.

The next step is to drop all sub-optimal links. The links with inferiorsignal strength are dropped from the table. In the above table, thefollowing is the worst link in each route:

TABLE XI 1193 32 1195 31

In the above example, if 1188 (Libertyville) wanted to contact prefix546, 1188 would have two choices. However, the route through 1193(Grayslake) provides the best signal strength, and consequently thatroute is chosen. The routes including 1195 are dropped from the table.The known Bellman principle of optimality indicates that an optimumrouting contains optimum sub routings. If two routings containedidentical numbers for both signal strength and links, the one with thelower position in the table is chosen.

One key point in the procedure above is that each node has thecapability, through storage in its computer memory, to provide at leastone route to all prefixes that can be reached with a signal greater thanthe minimum threshold as described above.

Step Five of the Routing

During the next master cycle, another transmission occurs as follows. Atthis point, the computer in node 1188 (Libertyville) increases the linknumber in its internal tables. The next step is for node 1188 totransmit the information in its computer memory table. As explainedabove, the node 1188 has already eliminated unsatisfactory links, andonly transmits the best link for each possible exchange.

A portion of the transmission at this step is as follows:

TABLE X11 1188 Land node number 546 Prefix 3 Links 32 Signal Strength

Note that node 1188 will also transmit the same messages about otherexchange that were received via the same and other nodes. Step Sixthrough “n” in the routing

Node 1133 receives the transmission from node 1188 and stores theinformation contained in the transmission in its memory. Node 1133 alsoreceives transmissions from other nodes and other drops near exchanges,which it also stores in its memory. Node 1133 then performs the samesteps that were performed by node 1188 to determine the optimum link toan intermediate node back to origin of prefix 546. This causes node 1133to delete from its memory all of the non optimum links, and thereby node1133 determines that the optimum route back to exchange 546 is throughnode 1188.

At this point, if a remote or mobile user in Deerfield wants to use histelephone, node 1133 is in a position to route a call to Round Lake tothe 546 prefix.

Call routing is now complete.

While node 1133 can not determine the total route, it can determine thebest immediate link for each exchange. Node 1133 does not store thetotal route. During subsequent master cycles, the various nodes againtransmit in their selected time slots the various remaining links. Theprocedure continues to cycle as in the above steps.

At this point, after the routing process has been completed, any givennode in the system has a table of the optimum routing through othernodes to get to each individual prefix. For example in our aboveexample, node 1188 would have stored essentially permanently theinformation that the best way to route to the drop point near theexchange containing 546 would be through node 1193.

Since each node only transmits the preferred routing to each prefix atan exchange drop, the number of transmissions that a single node willmake is limited to the number of prefixes in the system. As anexplanation of this self limiting process, refer to FIG. 4. which showsan exchange drop L0047 and a series of nodes surrounding a large lake.Only a few nodes are shown to create a simple example. The node 1183 ison the far side of the lake relative to L0047. Let us assume in thisexample, that the lake is too large to permit propagation across thecenter of the lake. 1183 would receive from two different directionsinformation as to how to contact a prefix at the drop at near theexchange L0047. 1183 would save only the link to the node that was partof the optimum route based on signal strengths to the drop near theexchange L0047. When node 1183 would transmit the various routings backto the other nodes, they would note the increased number of links, anddrop the transmissions from their tables. However, 1183 would still knowthe best link that is part of the optimum route back to L0047.

Since the computerized sorting of the list of various links andselecting the preferred link will take some time, the node computer putsthe most recently received 5 messages into a buffer to permit thecalculations to begin five messages earlier. After the transmission, the5 messages are moved from the buffer into the associated table.

If a node fails, or has no power, it can not transmit in the allocatedtime slot, and it will be excluded from any and all routes. If a nodedetects that any of its transmitter or receiver banks are not working,it will exclude itself from the transmission in the allocated time slot.When a node excludes itself from participation in the call routingprocess, it will be excluded from the call set up process.

Under normal operation of the system, the routes will be very stable.However, if a new node is added to the system, or an existing node failsor is removed, the various routes and links will change. Reliability ofthe system may be enhanced by requiring all replacement links in thetable of links in the node to be established twice in sequence beforedeleting an older entry and adding a replacement entry.

Channel Assignment

When a remote or mobile user in Deerfield desires to contact a land lineuser in Round Lake, the call routing has already been established. TheDeerfield user now initiates a call.

It has been found that the process of using the various tests utilizedin U.S. Pat. No. 4,965,850 above to assign channels creates excellentspectrum usage with minimal interference. In contrast to U.S. Pat. No.4,965,850 in the prior art, the act of just monitoring at only one ofthe two potential radios units, does not detect all of the potentialinterference. Monitoring without comparison of desired and undesiredsignals usually implies setting of the threshold for channel reuse. Ifthe threshold that will allow the channel to be reused, is set at a lownumber, a metropolitan area will have very little channel reuse becausethe channel with very weak or distant signals on them will always appearin use. If the threshold is set at a high number, the same area willhave interference because users will start using an active channelwithout knowing it.

If two radio units are located in different places, they are eachsubject to a different set of potential signals that could interferewith them. They are also in a position to interfere with different setsof users. Also, frequently a channel is in use, but the new user pairhave such a good signal between them, that they can successfully reusethe channel without receiving interference. Also, the other users mighthave a good signal between them, and the new usage will not interferewith them.

The present invention discloses an improved method of connecting theremote Deerfield user to a nearby node, This improved method is relatedto the method described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,965,850 hereby incorporatedby reference. This improvement permits the reduction from tahe multipletests described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,965,850 to a method utilizing twoprocedures as will now be described.

Importantly, it was found that the first modification necessary toutilize the present improvement is to increase the minimum signalquality for an acceptable communication from zero threshold to asignificantly higher value, say 30 Db.

The next important modification is to introduce a monitoring test ateach of the node and the remote radios. Refer to FIG. 1 where the remotein Deerfield is trying to establish a communication path to node 1133 inLincolnshire. The tests set forth in U.S. Pat. No. 4,965,850 that mustpass in order to insure interference free channel assignment are asfollows:

-   -   Test 1 Will the transmission from the new node 1133 cause        interference with any other previously assigned remote receiver?    -   Test 2 Will the Deerfield remote receive an interference free        signal?    -   Test 3 Will node 1133 be interfered with by any other remote        transmitter?    -   Test 4 Will the Deerfield remote transmission interfere with any        previously assigned node?        Inventive Procedure 1

The various nodes are continuously scanning the channels looking forusable channels. The messages and the scanning are synchronized suchthat the messages are transmitted for each channel in synchronizationwith the scanning for each channel. As the Lincolnshire node scans andmonitors a tentative channel, say channel R1, it measures the signalstrength received on that channel. The Lincolnshire node passesprocedure 1 if the measured signal strength is less than 10 Db overthreshold. If the measured signal strength is greater than 10 Db overthreshold, the Lincolnshire node attempts another channel.

Refer to FIG. 6 for a flow chart of this procedure. The rational forthis procedure is as follows. If the signal on the tentative channel isless than 10 Db over threshold it will not interfere with the receiverat the Lincolnshire node, as the Lincolnshire node knows a priori thatany desired signal will be stronger than 30 Db over threshold. Thisautomatically passes test 3.

If the undesired signal is less than 10 Db, the Lincolnshire node knowsdue to signal reciprocity that its transmission will arrive at the prioractive users receiver at less than 10 Db. The Lincolnshire node knows apriori the other prior users are communicating at over 30 DB desiredsignal level per the minimum acceptable level, the Deerfield remoteknows that it will not interfere with any other conversation, and thispasses test 1.

Consequently, this procedure passes both test 1 and test 3. In both test1 and test 3 the desired to undesired signal ratio will be better than20 Db. This 20 Db is sufficient for FM radio signals to capture.

When the Lincolnshire node passes procedure 1, it begins to transmitperiodic messages on the corresponding paired channel. These periodicmessages contain the node number and codes that say this is a signalingmessage indicating an acceptable channel.

Refer to FIG. 16 which shows the transmitter bank transmitting on band H(see Table I), and the receiver bank receiving on band G.

If, for example, the Lincolnshire node would have passed the procedureon channel R1, the Lincolnshire node would be transmit on correspondingchannel T1. As mentioned above, the channels are paired.

Also, since a given remote might not hear this periodic message becauseof interference, the Lincolnshire node steps to the next channel (R2),and repeats this procedure 1; that is, the Lincolnshire node steps tothe next channel and listens and measures the signal strength on thatchannel, and makes another decision. Consequently, if the Lincolnshirenode passes the procedure 1 for channel R2, it will also transmitperiodic messages on that corresponding channel (T2) simultaneously. Thenumber of simultaneous transmissions of these messages on differentchannels by the Lincolnshire node is limited to five channels.

This process of stepping through the channels and turning ontransmissions of messages will create several simultaneous transmissionson channels R1 . . . RN. When the node reaches the highest channel, theentire process is repeated, and new decisions are made for each channel.Thus the decisions for each channel are continuously refreshed.

In the meantime the Lincolnshire node is also monitoring the receiverchannel R1 of the paired channel T1, R1 corresponding to each of itsperiodic messages. For example, if Lincolnshire is transmitting on T1,it would monitor R1 to determine if there is an acknowledge transmissionfrom a remote desiring communication on the channel pair T1 and R1. Itwill know, as explained hereinbelow, that all four tests have passed.The Lincolnshire node will than use that channel pair for thecommunication.

Inventive Procedure 2

The Deerfield remote knows that it must establish a link to a node. TheDeerfield remote must choose a node and the Deerfield remote must alsochoose a channel pair for communication to a node. Refer to FIG. 17. TheDeerfield remote monitors a tentative channel, say channel R1 in band H,and measures the signal strength received on that channel. (Channel R1for the remote is the same as channel T1 for the node.)

If the signal strength is below 30 Db above threshold, the Deerfieldremote knows that an available node with an acceptable signal strengthis not signaling on this channel. Consequently, the Deerfield remotemonitors the next channel, say channel R2.

If the Deerfield remote hears a signal greater than 30 Db abovethreshold the remote analyzes this signal. The signal could be aperiodic message from a node on an available channel, or the signalcould be an unwanted communication using the channel. The Deerfieldremote senses this signal and determines if it is part of an ongoingcommunication or if it is a message signal indicating a potentialchannel. If this is an ongoing conversation, the remote steps to thenext channel. If this is a periodic message, then the remote knows ithas a tentative node and a tentative channel pair. The Deerfield remotenow listens in the time between the periodic message transmissions andmeasures the signal strength, if any, created by other users. If theseundesired signals are less than 10 Db over threshold the remote acceptsthis channel and this node as an acceptable choice. If these undesiredsignals are greater than 10 Db over threshold the remote steps to thenext channel.

Refer to FIG. 7 for a flow chart of this procedure. The rationalizationfor this decision is as follows. If the Deerfield remote clearly heard amessage signal on the tentative pair that is over 30 Db above threshold,the Deerfield remote knows that it will in fact receive a goodcommunication signal on that channel. This passes test 2.

When the Deerfield remote listens in the time between the periodictransmissions and hears a signal less than 10 Db over threshold theremote knows it would not interfere with that other user pair becausethe remote knows a priori that their desired signal is greater than 30Db over threshold, and that due to signal reciprocity, this his signalwould arrive at less than 10 Db over threshold. This passes test 4.

Consequently, this procedure passes both tests 2 and 4. The passing ofthese two tests will insure that the desired to undesired signal ratiowill be at least 20 Db. This is sufficient for FM radio signals tocapture.

This remote, upon passing procedure 2, signals the desired node, andbegins interference free communication.

As explained above, implementation of the two aforementioned procedureswill pass the tests and is sufficient to insure good interference freeradio communications. It has been found that most system users prefer asystem busy signal, as opposed to getting an assignment that is veryprone to channel disconnect due to interference.

In the present invention, the only requirement is that all ongoingconversations be at least 30 Db over threshold, and that the procedureseliminate channels that are have over 10 Db of signal on them. Incontrast, certain prior art required adding tones and digital datastreams to all ongoing conversations for assuring interference freechannels.

The two procedures are most useful in areas where call quality is themost important consideration. The previously described four testsprovide a very spectrally efficient method of assigning channels wherespectrum is very limited, and large numbers of users are anticipated.

Currently, the cellular industry is writing a number of standards thatwill permit multiple vendors to supply cellular systems components tothe same customer. In addition, there are multiple standards beingwritten for the air interface. The air interface refers to the variousprotocols that are used to signal and utilize the radio spectrum such asfrom a mobile to a cellular base site. One of the ideas currently beingadded to the standards is the concept of the mobile participating in thechannel assignment process. The two procedures described above forchannel assignment are intended to be compatible with proposed airinterface standards.

When a user contacts a node and desires to call a number for which thereis no prefix in the node computer, the land node routes the call to theexchange drop with the least number of links. Although the preferredembodiment for this invention is to work with multiple exchanges atdifferent locations each with multiple prefixes, the invention can beused with a single exchange having multiple nodes.

Because a remote user is routed directly to the exchange carrying thedesired prefix, land line charges will be minimal. Land line phone userstypically under selected calling plans, get free calling within acertain radius. Consequently, in this example, if the remote user inDeerfield would have routed to the closest exchange drop in Northbrook,the user would have been subject to land line charges from Northbrook toRound Lake. However, in this particular example, the user would connectdirectly to Round Lake, and avoid the long distance charges from thelocal phone company.

Since the physical location of the nodes is not part of the routingprocedure, the call routing system will work with nodes in eitherstandard grid patterns or in patterns that might be chosen based onother criteria.

Call Connecting and Channel Assignment

The process of using the previously created routing information inconjunction with measured signal strengths that connects the callbetween nodes will now be explained.

The invention addresses the channel selection process and considers thefollowing factors:

-   -   a) Nodes can not transmit and receive in the same band    -   b) Channels must be assigned in pairs    -   c) Call set up must be prompt    -   d) Channels chosen must not cause interference

Channels chosen must not receive interference

In the example of FIG. 1 the remote user in Deerfield wants to connectto phone number prefix 546 which is handled by the Round Lake exchange.The first step is for the Deerfield user to establish connection with anode near Deerfield with an acceptable signal quality and interferencesituation. This connection has been explained above. In the example inFIG. 1, this radio connection is made with node 1133. Once thisconnection is established, the node 1133 now must begin the process ofconnecting the call to Round Lake. As explained above, node 1133 has inits memory the node it must contact to establish the first link in theroute to Round Lake.

Refer now to FIG. 5 which shows, in additional detail, thecommunications paths between a mobile (remote) user in Deerfield and adrop near the exchange in Round Lake that handles the phone numberprefix 546. As will be appreciated, the land drop will connect to theRound Lake exchange by standard land line methods.

Each of the odd numbered nodes, 1133 and 1193, contains the followingcomponents:

TABLE XIII A1 Signaling transmitter (TR) for call routing procedure A1Signaling receiver (R) for call routing procedure A2 TR for voicecommunication to a remote A2 R for voice communication from a remote A3TR for voice communications to exchange A3 R for voice communicationsfrom exchange A4-O TR for sending voice communications from node to nodefor remote originated voice A4-O R for receiving voice communicationsfrom another node for exchange originated voice A5-O R for receivingvoice communications from another node for remote originated voice A6-OTR for sending voice communications to another node for exchangeoriginated voice

The even numbered nodes (1188 in FIG. 5) contain the same number ofcomponents, but the node to node transmitters and receivers are reversedto transmit and receive in different bands as indicated above. Thus eachof the even numbered nodes contains the following components:

TABLE XIV A1 Signaling transmitter (TR) for call routing procedure A1Signaling receiver (R) for call routing procedure A2 TR for voicecommunication to a remote A2 R for voice communication from a remote A3TR for voice communications to exchange A3 R for voice communicationsfrom exchange A4-E R for receiving voice communications from node tonode for remote originated voice A4-E TR for sending voicecommunications to another node for exchange originated voice A5-E TR forsending voice communications to another node for remote originated voiceA5-E R for receiving voice communications from another node for exchangedrop originated voice.

The system and method for setting up a call through various nodes arerelated to the method described above for connecting the remote to node.FIG. 5 shows the example of a call between a mobile (remote) user inDeerfield and an exchange drop in Round Lake that is being routedthrough a total of three different nodes. The new process of setting upthe call between multiple nodes will be explained hereinbelow. Althoughthe channels in the above tables and FIG. 5 are designated as voicechannels, various data can be transmitted through such channels as iswell known.

As indicated in FIG. 5, for the node to node communication bands, theodd nodes have transmitters which operate in the bands where the evennodes have receivers. Conversely, the odd nodes have receivers whichoperate in the bands where the even nodes have transmitters.

As will be more fully explained herein, the mobile (remote) canoriginate communications on channel pair say 1 in bands G and H and thecommunications from node 1133 to node 1188 will be on a channel pair say14 in bands C and D, and the communications from node 1188 to node 1193will on a channel pair say 17 in bands E and F, and the communicationsfrom node 1193 to the drop of exchange including prefix 546 will be on achannel pair say 3 in bands A and B.

Tests are performed to ascertain that any channel choice will be bothinterference free and non interference causing. The channels chosenconform to the route as explained above.

Referring still to FIG. 5, the first step in the process is for thefirst node, in this case node 1133 located in Lincolnshire to establisha link with the next node. To facilitate this explanation, let us assumethe following is the optimum route:

TABLE XV Mobile (remote) user in Deerfield Node 1133 located inLincolnshire (Odd) Node 1188 located in Libertyville (Even) Node 1193located in Grayslake (Odd) Drop located in Round Lake Exchange locatedin Round Lake

In the present system nodes are deployed in sufficient quantity toprovide good radio coverage to the remotes. Nodes are given extraantenna height, extra power, and nodes are deployed in sufficientdensity to insure good radio coverage, and node to node communication isusually not limited by poor propagation paths. In the present invention,the nodes are located in a random manner or manner dictated by providinggood radio coverage to remotes and interference between nodes could be aproblem. However, by a unique system, and method of operation, thepresent invention provides interference free node to node communication,as will be explained hereinbelow.

As in the remote to node channel assignment procedure described above,the minimum acceptable signal strength for node to node communication isset at a high threshold of say, 30 Db.

Refer to FIG. 1 where Lincolnshire node 1133 is trying to establish acommunication path to node 1188 in Libertyville. The four tests asmentioned above are used again specifically as follows:

-   -   Test 1 Will the transmission from node 1133 interfere with any        other node reviver?    -   Test 2 Will node 1188 receive an interference free signal from        node 1133?    -   Test 3 Will node 1188 interfere with any other node receiver?    -   Test 4 Will node 1133 receive an interference free signal from        node 1188?

Procedure 1

Refer to FIG. 18. Node 1133 knows that it must establish a link to node1188. Node 1133 monitors a tentative channel, say channel R1 in band D,and measures the signal strength received on that channel.

Node 1133 passes procedure 1 if the measured signal strength is lessthan 10 Db. If the measured signal strength is over 10 Db, node 1133attempts another channel.

Refer to FIG. 13 for a flow chart of this procedure. The rationale forthis procedure is as follows. If the undesired signal is less than 10 Dbit will not interfere with the receiver at node 1133, as node 1133 knowsa priori that the desired signal will be stronger than 30 Db. Thisautomatically passes test 4.

If the undesired signal is less than 10 Db, node 1133 knows due tosignal reciprocity that its transmission will arrive at the active usersreceiver at less than 10 Db. Since the other users are communicating atover 30 DB desired signal level, node 1133 knows that it will notinterfere with any other conversation, and this passes test 1.Consequently, this simple procedure passes both test 1 and test 4.

If 1133 passes procedure 1, it begins to transmit periodic messages tonode 1188 on the tentative channel in the pair. This transmission occursin band C.

TABLE XVI Description of partial contents of periodic messageOriginating Node 1133 Next Node in Routing 1188 Phone number of remoteYYYYYYYY Desired Destination number 708-546-XXXX

Also, since 1188 might not hear this periodic message because ofinterference, node 1133 steps to the next channel R2, and repeats thisprocedure; that is, the node 1133 steps to the next channel R2 andlistens and measures the signal strength on that channel, and makesanother decision. Consequently, if node 1133 passes the procedure 1 forchannel R2, it will also transmit periodic messages on thatcorresponding channel (T2) simultaneously, The number of simultaneoustransmissions of these messages on different channels by the node 1133is limited to five channels.

Node 1133 also monitors the receiver channels in band D on the receiverchannels paired to its message transmissions. For example, if it issending a message on channel T1 in band C, it will be monitoring channelR1 in band D. If it hears a transmission from 1188 (as will be describedbelow), the link is established. When 1133 hears a message from 1188, itcancels its other tentative transmissions.

Procedure 2

Node 1188 is monitoring potential channels in band C for a link from anarbitrary node. If node 1188 hears a good signal from node 1133 on aparticular channel, then node 1188 measures the signal strength in theperiod between the periodic transmissions. If the signal in the periodis less than 10 Db over threshold, then node 1188 accepts the channeland signals back to node 1133 on the corresponding channel in band Dthat they have established communications. If the signal in the periodbetween transmissions is over 10 Db over threshold the channel is notaccepted, and node 1188 monitors other channels. If node 1188 can nothear this transmission from 1133, 1133 will in the meantime monitorother channels.

When node 1188 hears a good transmission, it has passed test 2.

When node 1188 measures the signal strength in the period betweenperiodic messages and learns that it is less than 10 Db over threshold,node 1188 knows it will not interfere with the other users. Due tosignal reciprocity, the received signal from node 1188 at the otherusers receiver would be less than 10 Db over threshold. Node 1188 knowsa priori that the other desired signal is over 30 Db over threshold.Consequently, node 1188 knows it will not interfere with that previoususer. This passes test 3. Refer to FIG. 14 for a flow chart of thisprocedure.

Thus, implementation of the two aforementioned two procedures will passthe four tests.

Furthermore, the requirement of adding tones and digital data streams toall ongoing conversations is eliminated. The only requirement is thatall ongoing conversations be at least 30 Db over threshold, and that theprocedures eliminate channels that have a signal over 10 Db overthreshold.

As alluded to above, the node to node communications bands are Bands C,D, E, and F. The selection of a channel pair between node 1133(Lincolnshire) and node 1188 (Libertyville), is independent of whethernode 1133 received this routing demand from a remote or from anothernode. The routing and channel selection process works such that therouting and channel selection process originates with node 1133 andworks towards node 1188 and node 1193.

Channel Assignment for the Second and Following Node to Node Links

The process that node 1188 (Libertyville) goes through to establishchannel selections with node 1193 (Grayslake) are identical to theprocesses just described. However, since node 1188 is an even numbernode, it does its scanning and tentative transmissions in a differentpair of bands. Site 1188 will tentatively transmit in band E and listenin band F.

Once the call reaches the final node 1193 (Grayslake), it is connectedto the drop near the Round Lake Exchange in a manner similar to thatdescribed above in the node to remote communication. In the process ofconnecting a node to a drop, the direction of control is from the nodeto the drop, This direction is the reverse of the direction that is usedto connect a remote to a node. The method is essentially similar to themethod used to connect the remote to the node, but the call and controlis initiated in the node. Two separate bands (Bands A and B in Table I)for node to drop is included as described above in the system. As willbe appreciated, the remote to node signaling and communication is placedinn one pair of bands, and the node to drop signaling and communicationis placed in another pair of bands.

If a node receives a connection from a remote that desires tocommunicate with a prefix that is not in the routing table, the nodewill connect the call to the drop with the least number of links in theroute as described above. Since the computer in each node knows thenumber of links to each drop, the computer can choose a nearby drop. Ineffect when a call arrives for a new prefix, the computer hasestablished a route to a nearby drop and the call is processed as above.

If the operator of the wireless system described herein wants to avoidusing the local phone company for long distance calls, the drops to theconnection points to the long distance carrier would participate in theroute establishment procedure as described above. They would use anarbitrary prefix such as 900 to indicate a drop for connection to longdistance.

In most installations of the above system, the system will be installedin a single area code. However, to install a system in an area that isserviced by multiple area codes, the area code and the prefix must beutilized together as a single destination in the routing as describedabove.

Handoff

When an active remote user such as a vehicular user moves from onegeographic area to another area, his call is handed off between nodes.Hand off is an important part of the present system, and is performedwhen signal quality or signal strength falls below a predeterminedlevel. Handoff involves the process of disconnecting a mobile (remote)user from one node, and connecting the mobile (remote) user to a secondnode. The node with the strongest signal is selected to receive thehanded off call.

In certain prior art a central controller or central switch is employedin the handoff process. In certain other prior art a central processorand local area controllers control the handoff process. This centralcontroller and local area controllers are in addition to the regularland line telephone switch. This second switch or second switch andassociated local controllers are expensive, and they are part of thereason for the high air time cost of cellular radio today. There havebeen proposals that the various land line telephone switches assumeresponsibility for the hand off process. However, in many radiotelephone systems, the land line telephone switch is owned by onecompany, and the cellular radio system is owned by a second company.Without standardization, regulation, and cooperation, the possibility ofusing the regular land line telephone switch to handle cellular radiofunctions seems difficult.

Because of the complexity and high cost of the multiple switches toprovide mobile radio telephone service, various industry sources haveindicated that a decentralized system similar to today's cordless phonesbe employed as an alternative to today's centrally controlled systems.Such a decentralized system would have no central computer or controllerand would function without any central control.

The present invention includes a system and method for handoff in adecentralized system without the aid of either a cellular switch or acooperative land line switching center. The handoff is accomplished byproviding all the needed information to one of the nodes or exchangedrops. The exchange drops and nodes then can control the handoffprocess.

For the handoff procedure, each node and drop keeps a list of activeconversations that includes the phone number of the concerned remote.Technology for the maintenance of an online data base is well known.

Refer to FIG. 10. FIG. 10 shows mobile (vehicular) mobile user 2 makinga call through node 1192. These drops are positioned such that there isa maximum of one drop per land line phone exchange. Each drop or nodecan handle many simultaneous conversations. The maximum number of callshandled by a node or drop is only limited by the radio spectrumavailable for the system. Land line phone exchanges are well known phonecompany local switches. Mobile (remote) user 1 and mobile (remote) user2 two contain transmitters and receivers units required to make a radiotelephone call.

Note that the connection between user 2 and node 1192 is a radio link,as are all other links in the system of FIG. 10. Also note that User 2is talking to the 223 exchange, and is being routed from Node 1192 toNode 1191 to Node 1188 and onto the exchange drop for 223.

User 2 to Node 1192 to Node 1191 to Node 1188 to Exch drop 223

Also note that user 1 is making a call to the 546 exchange and istalking to Node 1133 which is in turn connected to Node 1188 and to Node1193 onto exchange drop for 546.

User 1 to Node 1133 to Node 1188 to Node 1193 to Exch drop 546

Note that Node 1188 has two different calls each going to differentdestinations. This example typifies the type of complexity that occursin large systems.

Now, let us assume that User 2 is moving away from Node 1192 and gettingcloser to Node 1190. His signal quality is decreasing, and heconsequently needs a handoff.

User 2 follows the call initiating procedure as recited above. User 2determines, per the procedures described above that he needs a newchannel, and that the Node 1190 should be utilized.

Node 1190 accepts the call. Node 1190 notes that this call is to bedirected to exchange 223 and consequently to the exchange drop for 223.At this point node 1190 does not know if this is a new call that has tobe routed to exchange Drop for 223, or if this is a handoff that needsto be routed to exchange Drop 223. Based upon the procedure describedabove for routing, Node 1190 does know that it has to route to Node1191. Therefore, Node 1190 establishes a new interference free radiolink to Node 1191 as described above. Consequently, Node 1191 now hasestablished the link from Node 1191 for Mobile User 2.

However, before Node 1191 continues to route the call per the routingprocedure as described above, Node 1191 performs the step of checkingthrough a list of calls in process. Node 1191 searches his list of callsfor a matching phone number of the new mobile, remote user 2. If Node1191 recognizes this user as being part of another call in process, thenNode 1191 knows that it must perform a routing modification.Consequently, Node 1191 connects the new audio or data signal comingfrom Node 1190 and disconnects the old audio for this user coming fromNode 1192.

This completes the handoff procedure. Note that there is only one droppoint per each exchange. If multiple drops were to access a singleexchange, it is possible that a new route established as a result of ahandoff would not use the same nodes, and consequently, the list searchmentioned above would not show that this was a call in process, andhandoff and substitution need would not be detected.

All nodes and drop points perform this list search step of searching forexisting conversations involving any new call. Consequently, the handoffand signal substitution can be performed by any one of the nodes alongthe radio route, and also the handoff and signal substitution can beperformed by the drop. Since the procedure insures that the handoff iscontrolled as near as possible to the remote, many times radio linksnearer the drop point are not even involved and nodes and drops near theexchange are not aware that a handoff occurred. Accordingly, thecomplete route set up need not be performed.

Now, refer to FIG. 11. FIG. 11 shows that Mobile User 2 has continued tomove, and that he is now leaving the vicinity of Node 1190 and arrivingin the vicinity of Node 1193. Because the received signal from Node 1190is getting weak, a handoff is indicated. Mobile User 2 now begins theprocedures as explained above. Mobile User 2 now sets up the callthrough Node 1193. Node 1193 now performs the radio routing as explainedabove. This is a new call to Node 1193, so node 1193 routes the call onto Node 1188. Node 1188, however, recognizes the mobile (remote) numberas previously having a conversation coming in from Node 1191.Consequently, Node 1188 disconnects the call from Node 1191, andconnects the call coming in from Node 1193. The call is continuouslyrouted to the exchange drop for 223. This completes the handoff.

Note that the first handoff was controlled at Node 1191 when the mobile(remote) moved from the vicinity of Node 1192 to Node 1190. The secondhandoff was controlled by a different node, in this case Node 1188, whenthe mobile (remote) moved from Node 1190 to Node 1193. Note that thisprocedure does not effect Mobile 1 who is routing through Node 1133 andNode 1188 onto Node 1193 onto the drop for 546.

Land Line Originated Call

In the previous example, a remote (mobile) user in Deerfield initiated aphone call to a land line user in Round Lake. We now describe theprocess for a land line user in Round Lake to initiate a call to aremote (mobile) user in Deerfield.

In today's cellular the central switch is given an exchange number. Whena land line user wants to call a cellular user he dials the phone numberof the cellular user which includes the exchange number of the cellularcentral switch. The call is then connected to the cellular switch whichhandles the call set up process. In the decentralized system describedherein, each remote user in the system is given a unique number with theprefix corresponding to an exchange number corresponding to thedecentralized system. However, any one of the drop points will sufficefor the call set up process. Consequently, when the land line user dialsthe decentralized exchange number, the local land line exchange merelyconnects to one of the nearby drops. This saves land line charges inthat the call is connected locally to the decentralized system.

The drop and the Deerfield mobile, then perform the following steps:

-   -   a) The drop temporarily holds the call    -   b) The drop pages the user city wide    -   c) The Deerfield remotes initiates a call    -   c) The Drop connects and completes the call

Step a. When a drop receives in incoming call for a remote user, thedrop temporarily holds the call.

Step b. With another outgoing land line, the drop connects to the citywide paging system, and the drop sends the paging system a page messagecontaining an exchange number at the drop and an arbitrary fictitiousphone number within the exchange. For example, the drop located at RoundLake would send the following message to the paging computer:

-   -   a) Exchange 546    -   b) Number 0000 or perhaps A001    -   c) The number of the remote (now in Deerfield)

The city wide paging system then broadcasts over the entire metropolitanarea the paging message contents listed above.

Step c. The Deerfield remote, upon receiving the page, then initiates acall in an identical manner to when the Deerfield remote were theinitiating party.

Step d. When the Deerfield call finally is routed to the correct drop,the drop notes the artificial phone number, and connects the Deerfieldcall back to the proper land line user.

Remote User Calling Remote User

When a remote user in Round Lake desires to call a remote user in someunknown location, the Round Lake remote user enters the decentralizedsystem in the manner described above. However, the first node notes thatthe phone number corresponds to a remote phone in the decentralizedsystem. The first node then routes the call to the nearest drop.

The nearest drop then proceeds in an identical manner as if for a landline initiated call including the holding and paging process describedabove. When the call comes back from the remote in the unknown location,the drop then connects the call.

Roaming

When a drop initiates a page, and the remote user does not come back inthe form of a routed call, the drops knows that the unit is inoperable,or that the unit has roamed out of town. The drop then contacts centraldata base of roamers and asks for the location of the desired mobile.The drop then can either inform the calling party that his desiredremote is inoperable, or else the drop can connect the call to thecorrect out of town switch.

When an out of town user arrives in town, the out of town user notifiesthe closest node of his presence, and that node sends that informationto a drop by setting up a short duration phone call in the mannerdescribed above. The drop then notifies the central data base of roamersthat the out of town user has arrived in this area. Now, any land linephone call directed to any one of the local drops can page an out oftown user and set up a call.

In a large metro area like Chicago metro area, several different areacodes are involved. The drop actually notifies the central data base ofroamers which area code to use to connect to the decentralized system.

It takes a minimum of two different types of nodes such thatcommunication can occur. In the preferred embodiment two different typeshave been chosen; in other embodiments, three or more different typesmight be chosen. In the two type configuration, the odd nodes cancommunicate with the evens and the evens can communicate with the odds.

Customer Billing

Customer billing systems are well known. In this particular inventioneach of the drops keeps a record of all calls. The drop are polled by abilling system as is well known, and a centralized billing systemimplemented.

Embodiment B

Another application of this invention occurs in large corporatecomplexes. Frequently, in large corporate complexes, there are severalbuildings involved, and thousands of employees. Many of these employeeswant to carry Personal Digital Assistants better known as PDAs. PDAs arebasically a combination of a computer and a radio link.

In the corporate complex application, there are multiple digitalcomputers that are referred to as host computers. These computerscorrespond to the drop points in embodiment A. Also, there are multiplePDAs that correspond to the remotes in embodiment A.

Each host computer is given a unique identified that corresponds to theexchange and prefix number in embodiment A.

The nodes as described in embodiment A are called repeaters in thisembodiment. These repeaters are placed in the corporate complex suchthat all important areas are given good radio coverage. Because of theproblems of radio communication in buildings caused by steel reinforcedconcrete walls and floors, many repeaters must be installed. Typically,a repeater is installed in each large room.

To permit complex wide communication, repeaters are installed such thateach repeater can view at least one other repeater of the oppositeodd/even designation.

In the corporate complex a complete communication system can thus beinstalled that will permit any PDA to contact any host computer. Any PDAcan contact any host computer by merely indicating the number of thehost computer.

Because the bands used by the host computers are different from thebands used by the PDAs, host computers can not contact host computersdirectly, and PDAs can not contact PDAs directly. However, hostcomputers that desire to contact other host computers, can install asecond bank of transmitters and receivers with the extra bands such thatthe host computer would initiate communication as if it were a PDA.

Embodiment C

Embodiment C provides a channel assignment which is related to the abovedescribed routing and two procedure system, and in addition includesadditional specific tests for assuring free channel assignment as mightbe required in a more congested or populated area.

Embodiment C uses a decentralized signal to interference method asexplained in USA U.S. Pat. No. 4,965,850 and improved in U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 08/276,781. As with the two procedure systemdescribed above preplanning of the various links back to various droppoints is not required. Basically embodiment C is the same as embodimentA, and the two embodiments operate similarly, except that in thisembodiment four detailed tests are used to determine if a channel can beused without interference. This change will permit greater frequencyreuse and greater spectrum capacity. This change will also allow linkswith signal strength below 30 Db to be used satisfactorily.

In the following explanation, in order to avoid duplication, only thedifferences between the two embodiments will be emphasized. As mentionedabove, the two embodiments are similar.

Refer to FIG. 1 which shows a number of nodes in an example area in theUnited States. In the explanation of this embodiment, the propagationlosses are assumed to be as shown in the following tables. Note that thefollowing table, Table XVII, is slightly different than Table I. Asdescribed above with respect to the two procedure embodiment it isassumed that a remote user in Deerfield wants to contact a Round Lakeexchange.

TABLE XVII Spectrum Band Name Function Odds Evens 1 Megahertz SigSignaling T & R T & R 2 Megahertz A Node to Drop T & R T & R 2 MegahertzB Node to Drop R R 1 Megahertz C Node to Node T & Q R 1 Megahertz D Nodeto Node R T 1 Megahertz E Node to Node R T & Q 1 Megahertz F Node toNode T R 2 Megahertz G Mobile to Node R R 2 Megahertz H Mobile to Node T& Q T & Q

Table XVII is generally similar to Table I, however, Table XVII includesQ which refers to the transmissions that occur in the implementation oftest 1 as will be described herein.

In the above Table XVII, the bands for radio communication are shown.The Sig Band is a signaling band that is used for the routeestablishment process that will be explained herein. The Node to Dropbands A and B are used for communication to drops that function ascontrol points as will be explained herein. The bands A and B operate ina similar manner as the bands for communication with the remotes. BandsC, D, E, and F are used for communication a links between nodes. Bands Gand H are utilized to communicate between the remotes and the nodes.

Call Routing

The first step in connecting a call to a desired drop point is toestablish the route. It should be noted again that the nodes can beplaced in any pattern, and need not be placed in a grid pattern. This isan important feature of the invention in that nodes can be placedanywhere. When nodes have to conform to a grid pattern, available sitesmay not be present at the desired lcoation.

As described above, in the signaling band, all nodes can both transmitand receive. The signaling band is divided into a series of time slots.There are 5,000 time slots in the signaling band. The first 1,000 slotsare reserved for land drops or exchanges. The remaining 4,000 slots arereserved for cell sites or nodes.

Each desired drop point is given a sequential number between L1 andL999. These sequential numbers also correspond to the time slot number.Consequently, the maximum number of drop points in the system is 999.

Each node is given a sequential number between 1001 and 5000.

The following table which has been abbreviated is essentially similar toTable II and depicts a typical usage of the various time slots:

TABLE XVIII Time Slot No. User of Slot   1 L001 (Located in Round Lake)  2 L002 (Schaumburg)  27 L027 (Antioch) . . . . . . 1001 1001(Arbitrary land node) . . . . . . 1133 1133 (Lincolnshire land node)

The particular example shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, and Table III can also beused in this explanation of Embodiment C.

Step One of Call Routing

The first step of call routing for this embodiment is similar to thestep one of call routing for Embodiment A described above and Table IVcan be used for this explanation. The first step is for the variousdrops to transmit a routing message in their unique time slot asdescribed above, and the message contains the information listed inTable IV.

Step Two of Call Routing

Although the number will vary, approximately 12 different nodes mightreceive this transmission. Since node antennas are higher than remoteantennas, it is usually the case that node to node communications occurover greater distances than remote to node communications. Signalsreceived less than 10 Db over threshold are ignored. Such signals areconsidered too weak to provide satisfactory service in a potentialmultiple link environment.

Refer to FIG. 3 and Table III. For example, node number 1193 (Grayslake)might hear and record the following messages received from various nodesand drops. The signal strengths and corresponding node and dropinformation, exchanges, prefixes, and link numbers are loaded into acomputer memory table in the node as follows:

TABLE XIX 1193 (Grayslake) Exchange Prefix Link Signal Strength L001 5461 99 L001 740 1 99 L006 362 1 99 L027 395 1 99

The current measured signal strength is also added to the table. Notethe following table has different signal strengths than thecorresponding table in the previous embodiment. The signal strengthswere changed to facilitate explanation. The table now appears asfollows:

TABLE XX 1193 (Grayslake) Exchange Prefix Link Sig Str NewSignalStrength L001 546 1 99 31 L001 740 1 99 31 L006 362 1 99 43 L027395 1 99 24

In the above limited example, node 1193 (Grayslake) heard only threedifferent transmissions from drops. These three different transmissionscontained a total of four different prefix numbers. As each transmissionis received the signal strength is measured and recorded in the tableabove.

Step Three of Call Routing

The next step in the procedure occurs in the next cycle of the varioustime slots. Again, this step is similar to step three of call routing inEmbodiment A. Each node transmits in its unique time slot all of theprefixes that it has heard. The nodes add their own number and transmitall of the information in the above table. For example, node 1193(Grayslake) would transmit the following during its unique time slot.Since each node is adding a link to all tentative routes, the linknumber for each route is increased by one. Refer to Table XXI. Only aportion of the transmission is shown.

TABLE XXI 1193 Land node number L001 Exchange number 546 Prefix 2 Linknumber 31 Received signal strength L001 Exchange number 740 Prefix 2Link number 31 Received signal strength L006 Exchange number 362 Prefix2 Link number 43 Received signal strength L027 Exchange number 395Prefix 2 Link number 24 Received signal strengthStep Four of Call Routing

Refer to FIG. 4. This step is similar to step four of embodiment A.Various additional nodes hear the transmission from node 1193. They alsohear transmissions from other nodes in their different time slots. Eachnode then makes a table of all the transmissions that it has received.Transmissions below 10 Db are ignored. A portion of this table mightappear as follows for node 1188. Table XXII is similar to Table VIII.

TABLE XXII Table for Node No. 1188 (Libertyville) Node Prefix SignalStrength Link 1133 480 18 2 1133 362 43 1134 480 17 2 1192 546 14 2 1192740 14 2 1193 546 31 2 1193 740 31 2 1193 362 43 1 1194 546 12 2 1194740 12 2 1195 546 11 2 1195 740 11 2

In the above example, node 1188 heard messages from six different nodesand drops. Included in those received messages were messages back fromnodes about routes that already had passed through node 1188. Suchroutes are not optimum, and will be subsequently eliminated. In theprevious cycle it had transmitted that it related to exchange 362, andtwo nodes 1193 and 1133 have transmitted that information back. Note inthe above table that many signal strengths are below 30 Db. Relaxing thecriterion in embodiment A of 30 Db minimum signal strength permits manymore potential links to be considered.

At this point the new signal strength being received is added to thetable as follows:

TABLE XXIII Table for Node No. 1188 (Libertyville) Site Prefix Sig. Str.New Sig Str. Link 1133 480 18 43 2 1133 362 43 43 1 1134 480 17 38 21192 546 14 17 2 1192 740 14 17 2 1193 546 31 43 2 1193 740 31 43 2 1193362 43 43 1 1195 546 11 37 2 1195 740 11 37 2 1197 546 12 32 2 1197 74012 32 2

At this point the node deletes from the table every message that it hasreceived from an even number node. If this node would have been an oddnumbered node it would have deleted the odd numbers. In the aboveexample, two of the nodes that 1188 received from were even and they aredeleted from the table. The reason for this deletion will becomeapparent later as the problem of transmitting and receiving in the sameband is explained.

The next step is to sort the table into prefix sequence, andconsequently, all of the messages about a selected prefix will begrouped together. For example, a portion of the above table would be asfollows:

TABLE XXIV Table for Site No. 1188 (Libertyville) Site Prefix Sig. Str.New Sig Str. Link 1193 546 31 43 2 1195 546 11 37 2 1197 546 12 32 2

The next step is to select only the best link for each prefix. If twodifferent routings contain a different number of links, the routing withthe minimum number of links is chosen. The routing with the highernumber of links is dropped from the table. Since only acceptable signalstrengths above the preselected 10 Db threshold are entered in thetable, this process selects a minimum number of links. This procedure ofdropping routes with larger number of links will reduce the number oflinks in the final route. This procedure will also reduce the number oftransmitters that are radiating power and consuming spectrum capacity.

The next step is to drop all sub-optimal links. Since received signalstrength is very important to signal quality, the links with inferiorsignal strength are dropped from the table. The strategy is to drop theroute that has the worst or weakest link. In the above table, thefollowing is the worst link:

TABLE XXV 1193 31 1195 11 1197 12

In the above example, if 1188 (Libertyville) wanted to contact prefix546, 1188 would have three choices. However, the route through 1193(Grayslake) provides the best signal strength, and consequently thatroute is chosen. The routes including 1195 and 1197 are dropped from thetable. If two routings contained identical numbers for both signalstrength and links, the one with the lower position in the table ischosen.

One key point in the procedure above is that each node has thecapability through storage in its computer memory to provide at leastone route to all prefixes that can be reached with a signal greater thanthe minimum threshold as described above.

Step Five of the Routing

At this point, the computer in node 1188 (Libertyville) increases thelink number in its internal tables. The next step is for node 1188 totransmit the information in its computer memory table. As explainedabove, the node 1188 has already eliminated unsatisfactory links, andonly transmits the best link for each possible exchange. Thistransmission occurs in the next master cycle.

A portion of the transmission at this step is as follows:

TABLE XXVI 1188 Land node number 546 Prefix 3 Links 31 Signal Strength

Note that node 1188 will also transmit the same messages about otherexchanges that were received via the same and other nodes. Step Sixthrough “n” in the routing

As described above in Embodiment A, node 1133 receives the transmissionfrom node 1188 and stores the information contained in the transmissionin its memory. Node 1133 also receives transmissions from other nodesand other drop points near exchanges which it also stores in its memory.Node 1133 then performs the same steps that were performed by node 1188to determine the optimum link to an intermediate node back to origin ofprefix 546. This causes node 1133 to delete from its memory all of thenon optimum links, and thereby node 1133 determines that the optimumroute back to exchange 546 is through node 1188. While node 1133 can notdetermine the total route, it can determine the best immediate link foreach exchange. Node 1133 does not store the total route.

At this point, if a mobile (remote) user in Deerfield wants to use histelephone, node 1133 is in a position to route a call to Round Lake tothe 546 prefix.

Call routing is now complete.

Call Connecting and Channel Assignment

The process of using the previously created routing information inconjunction with measured signal strengths that connects the callbetween nodes will now be explained.

In the example of FIG. 1 the mobile (remote) user in Deerfield wants toconnect to phone number prefix 546 which is in the Round Lake exchange.The first step is for the Deerfield user to establish connection with anode near Deerfield with an acceptable signal quality and interferencesituation. This connection is established in a manner as described inU.S. Pat. No. 4,65850 and improved in U.S. patent application Ser. No.08/276,781 wherein several signal to interference tests are performed.In the example in FIG. 1, this radio connection is made with node 1133.Once this connection is established, the node 1133 now must begin theprocess of connecting the call to Round Lake. As explained above, node1133 has in its memory the node it must contact to establish the firstlink in the route to Round Lake.

Refer now to FIG. 5 which shows, in additional detail, thecommunications paths between a mobile (remote) user in Deerfield and adrop near the exchange in Round Lake that handles the phone numberprefix 546. As will be appreciated, the land drop will connect to theRound Lake exchange by standard land line methods.

The system and method for setting up a call from and to the first nodefrom a mobile are described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,965,850. FIG. 5 shows theexample of a call between a mobile (remote) user in Deerfield and anexchange drop in Round Lake that is being routed through a total ofthree different nodes. The new process of setting up the call betweenmultiple nodes will be explained hereinbelow.

As indicated in FIG. 5, for the node to node communication bands, theodd nodes have transmitters which operate in the bands where the evennodes have receivers. Conversely, the odd nodes have receivers whichoperate in the bands where the even nodes have transmitters.

As will be more fully explained herein, the remote can originatecommunications on channel pair say 1 in bands G and H, and thecommunications from node 1133 to node 1188 will be on a channel pair say14 in bands C and D, and the communications from node 1188 to node 1193will on a channel pair say 17 in bands E and F, and the communicationsfrom node 1193 to the drop of exchange including prefix 546 will be on achannel pair say 3 in bands A and B.

Although the channels in the above tables and FIG. 5 are designated asvoice channels, various data can be transmitted through such channels asis well known.

To establish the call connection and channel selection, the processfollows a method similar to the method for establishing a call in U.S.Pat. No. 4,965,850 and improved in U.S. patent application Ser. No.08/276,781. Tests are performed to ascertain that any channel choicewill be both interference free and non interference causing. Thechannels chosen conform to the route as explained above.

The nodes add tones/and or digital data streams to their ongoingconversations for node to node voice communications. These tones/datastreams contain the following information.

-   -   1. Site number transmitting    -   2. Site number receiving    -   3. Signal strength being received.

Referring still to FIG. 5, the first step in the process is for thefirst node, in this case node 1133 located in Lincolnshire to establisha link with the next node. To facilitate this explanation, let us assumethe following is the optimum route:

TABLE XXVII Mobile user in Deerfield Node 1133 located in Lincolnshire(Odd) Node 1188 located in Libertyville (Even) Node 1193 located inGrayslake (Odd) Drop located in Round Lake Exchange located in RoundLake

In the above table of routings the three intermediate nodes alternatebetween even and odd identification numbers.

The four interference tests are now performed to establish the firstnode to node link between node 1133 and node 1188.

Test 1 Will the transmission from node 1133 interfere with any othernode receiver?

Test 2 Will node 1188 receive an interference free signal from node1133?

Test 3 Will node 1188 interfere with any other node receiver?

Test 4 Will node 1133 receive an interference free signal?

As alluded to above, the node to node communications bands are Bands C,D, E, and F. The selection of a channel pair between node 1133(Lincolnshire) and node 1188 (Libertyville), is independent of whethernode 1133 received this routing demand from a remote or from anothernode. The routing and channel selection process works such that therouting and channel selection process originates with node 1133 andworks towards node 1188 and node 1193.

Test 1

The Lincolnshire node 1133, which is an odd node, now must monitor thevarious channels with its scanning receiver in band D, to determine ifit transmitted in Band C whether that transmission would interfere withany other node receiver. The computer controls the scanning receivers tosense the communication channels. These scanning receivers sense thetones and/or digital data streams that are present in ongoingcommunications.

The first step is the tentative selection by node 1133 of the lowestchannel pair. Site 1133 monitors the receiver channel, and if itreceives a signal on that channel, it decodes the signal information inthe tones/digital data streams, and measures the signal strength of thereceived signal. Because of signal reciprocity, that is the concept thatthe propagation path has the same loss in both directions, node 1133 cancalculate if it were to transmit in band C whether it would interferewith the paired receiver that is paired to the transmitter that node1133 just decoded. If node 1133 discovers that it would causeinterference on this tentative channel, then node 1133 steps to the nextchannel. The computer in node 1133 tunes its scanning receiver to thenext channel.

If the channel pair is acceptable, the node 1133 (Lincolnshire)transmits on that channel pair a transmission indicating the number ofthe next node 1188 (Libertyville) in the route to the final destinationfor the call. Node 1133 also adds the desired phone number and thedesired exchange to the message. This transmission is indicated in thespectrum usage table by the symbol Q. This transmission is repeateduntil terminated. The transmission includes the following:

Originating Node 1133 Next Node in Routing 1188 Phone number of remoteYYYYYYYY Desired Destination number 708-546-XXXX

Even though this channel has passed test one, it still has not passedthe other three tests. Consequently, in the meantime, node 1133(Lincolnshire) commences to step through the channels, and as it findspossibilities, turns on additional transmissions with tones and callinformation. This process of placing several transmissions on the airsimultaneously, permits the next node 1188 (Libertyville) to have aoverlapping system. A further advantage of this approach is that eventhough tests 2,3, and 4 are not passed, the next node (Libertyville)will know it has a call coming because it has received a test signalfrom node 1133 (Lincolnshire), and it can begin the test 1 process inthe alternate band towards node 1193 (Grayslake). Node 1188(Libertyville) is an even numbered node, and consequently it will usebands E and F to communicate with 1193 (Grayslake). Consequently, it ispossible that the 1188 (Libertyville) to 1193 (Grayslake) link might geta channel assignment before the 1133 (Lincolnshire) to 1188(Libertyville) link is established.

In addition the node 1133 (Lincolnshire) adds a strong tone signal suchas, for example, a 1,000 cycle tone to its transmission. The addition ofthis tone will help the receivers in the other node in the scanningprocess. Since they are looking for a tone of 1,000 cycles, they do notneed to wait and decode all transmissions. Naturally, sometimes voice,faxes, or computer communications will trigger the scanning receiverthat there is a potential transmission of interest, but many timesvarious voice messages will be quickly skipped in that they do notcontain the indicator tone.

Refer to FIG. 12 for a detailed flow chart of the logic of the firsttest.

Test 2

Node number 1188 (Libertyville) is always in the process of sequentiallymonitoring the channels in band C to determine if any odd nodes want touse number 1188 to set up a particular call. Site 1188 scans the bandand searches for a tone of 1,000 cycles per second. If it hears a toneof 1,000 cycles per second, the node then must determine if this inreality is a signaling transmission from an odd numbered node. There isalways the chance that selected music, voice, or faxes would create astrong tone at that frequency. If the scanning receiver hears a tone of1,000 cycles, it decodes the message to ascertain if it is indeed asignal from test 1. This indicator tone permits the scanning receiversto move more quickly through the band.

If node 1188 decodes the signal, and discovers that it is indeed part oftest 1, and that node 1188 is indicated to be part of an ongoingconversation, then node 1188 must begin two processes simultaneously.

The first process is to begin to perform test 1 on its transmit band E.When node 1188 (Libertyville) decodes the message from node 1133(Lincolnshire), node 1188 (Libertyville) knows a call is coming. Node1188 looks in its computer memory and notes that the next link toexchange 546 is node 1193 (Grayslake). Consequently, node 1188(Libertyville) wants to alert node 1193 (Grayslake) that it is going tobe part of a call destined for Round Lake. This transmission is similarto the transmission it just received in that it contains the nodenumbers and exchange number.

Node 1188 (Libertyville) also begins the second process of going throughthe remainder of the four tests to finally select a duplex channel pairthat will pass all four interference tests.

To pass test 2, node 1188 only needs to determine that it will, in fact,receive a very good interference free signal on this channel.

Refer to FIG. 13 for a flow chart of the aforementioned procedure.

Test 3

Once node 1188 (Libertyville) determines that it will receive a goodsignal on the tentative channel, node 1188 must determine whether itstransmission back to node 1133 would interfere with any other ongoingcommunication.

Node 1188 now monitors the same channel pair in the time periodfollowing the receipt of the signaling message. It could have been thecase that 1188 received the signal on a totally quiet channel, or 1188could have received a stronger signal that temporarily masked a weakerongoing conversation. If the signal was weaker than an ongoingconversation, then node 1188 would not have decoded the signal. Sincenode 1133 and node 1188 are not located at the same place, they eachhear a different set of ongoing conversations. Although there is someoverlap in that node 1133 and node 1188 both could hear someconversations, many conversations can be heard by node 1188 that can notbe heard by node 1133, and many conversations that can be heard by 1133that can not be heard by 1188.

Node 1188 decodes any conversations that it hears looking for thesub-audible tones/data streams. Site 1188 also measures the signalstrength for the concerned signals. Site 1188 can calculate if it wereto transmit on the tentative channel, if it would cause interference atthe receiver corresponding to the transmitter that it just decoded.Since node 1188 assumes signal strength reciprocity, it can calculate ifit would cause interference in that the tones indicate the otherreceivers received signal strength.

If node 1188 determines that it would not cause interference to anyongoing communications, node 1188 signals node 1133 (Lincolnshire) thatthis test has passed.

Refer to FIG. 14 for a flow chart of the aforementioned logic.

Test 4

Once node 1188 (Libertyville) determines that it would not interferewith any other communication, it transmits back to 1133 (Lincolnshire)on the tentative channel.

If node 1133 (Lincolnshire) can not hear the transmission from node 1188(Libertyville), it does not respond, and node 1188 tries another channelpair.

If node 1133 hears a good signal, then it accepts this channel pair, asall four tests have passed. The channel assignment is now accomplished.

Refer to FIG. 15 for a flow chart of the aforementioned logic of test 4.

This completes the channel pair assignment for the link between node1133 and 1188.

Channel Assignment in Next Links

The process that node 1188 (Libertyville) goes through to establishchannel selections with node 1193 (Grayslake) are identical to theprocesses just described. However, since node 1188 is an even numbernode, it does its scanning and tentative transmissions in a differentpair of bands. Site 1188 will tentatively transmit in band E and listenin band F.

Once the call reaches the final node 1193 (Grayslake), it is connectedto the drop point near the Round Lake Exchange in a manner similar tothat described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,965,850. However, the method in U.S.Pat. No. 4,965,850 describes a mobile initiating a call to a base.

If a node receives a connection from a remote that desires tocommunicate with a prefix that is not in the routing table, the nodewill connect the call to the drop with the least number of links in theroute as described above. Since the computer in each node knows thenumber of links to each drop, the computer can choose a nearby drop. Ineffect when a call arrives for a new prefix, the computer hasestablished a route to a nearby drop and the call is processed as above.

In most installations of the above system, the system will be installedin a single area code. However, to install a system in an area that isserviced by multiple area codes, the area code and the prefix must beutilized together as a single destination in the routing as describedabove.

Handoff for Embodiment C

Handoff for embodiment A has been described above. Handoff forembodiment C is similar to the handoff for embodiment A except that thevarious tests of U.S. Pat. No. 4,965,850 and the improved method in U.S.patent application Ser. No. 08/276,781 are used instead of the twoprocedures of embodiment A.

Embodiment D

Embodiment D is a modification of Embodiment B. Embodiment D uses thefour tests to assign channels in the corporate complex system describedin embodiment B.

While the invention has been particularly shown and described withreference to preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understood bythose skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may bemade therein without departing from the spirit and scope of theinvention.

1. In a radio system communications system comprising a plurality ofnodes, a plurality of communications channels, a method of radiocommunications route selection consisting of the steps of: a) providingnodes of at least two different types designatable such as odd and even,where odd nodes transmit on a first band of frequencies and receive on asecond band of frequencies and even nodes receive on said first band andtransmit on said second band; b) positioning said nodes in variableselected patterns; c) enabling radio links between nodes; d)transmitting routing messages between nodes; e) setting a thresholdlevel for message signals received by said nodes; f) establishing amultiple link route thru multiple nodes based on the content of saidrouting messages; g) selecting channels in each link along a route; andh) each of said routes having an arbitrary source and each said routehaving a selected destination and each route not having to go through acommon point.
 2. In a radio system communications system comprising aplurality of nodes a method of providing radio communications routecreation consisting of the steps of: a) initiating each of said routesat an arbitrary source and each said route having a selected destinationand each said route not having to go through a common point; b)positioning said nodes in selected patterns; c) enabling radio linksbetween nodes; d) transmitting routing messages between nodes; e)establishing a route thru multiple nodes based on the content of saidrouting messages; f) developing routes by combining multiple links intoroutes: g) choosing a multiple link route over other multiple linkroutes such that the chosen route has all of its links with a higherminimum signal strength than the minimum signal strength in the links ofthe other routes.
 3. A method as in claim 2 further including the stepof a) providing nodes of at least two different types designated such asodd and even, where odd nodes transmit on a first band of frequenciesand receive on a second band and even nodes receive on said first bandand transmit on said second band.
 4. A radio communications systemhaving a plurality of nodes and radio links between nodes, said systemcomprising: a) nodes of at least a first and second type, said nodesbeing capable of establishing desired communications only with a nodenot of its same type, and said nodes being position in any selectedpattern to provide a plurality of available communications routes; b)multiple selectable routes between a communications originating node anda communications destination node; and c) said communications routebeing selected based upon signal strength, node types, and routingmessages.